Everyone has become accustomed to the sign “Help wanted” or “Closed due to staffing shortages” hanging in the windows of our favorite stores. From big-name stores to local family-owned shops, it seems like no one can find help.
The United States Burea of Labor reports surprising data regarding the number of unemployed today. The United States currently has 7.2 million unemployed workers. This is up from the pre-pandemic number of 5.7 million unemployed.
The issue is not a lack of jobs, however. The U.S. is facing a labor shortage. Why aren’t people going back to work? Can automation and MiR robotics help fill the void?
Keep reading to find out more about what you can do.
The United States Labor Shortage 2021
In June of 2021, the United States saw an astounding 10.1 million jobs available. This number increased by .8 million from April, which was unforeseen by many economists and labor experts.
These shortages occurred mainly in the hospitality and foodservice industries. These businesses saw a mass exodus of employees during the pandemic in 2020 and early 2021.
Experts believed that many of these workers would choose to return once the unemployment benefits ended in August. But they did not. And, by and large, they still have not returned.
Many experts believe this is because many workers do not wish to return to the harsh conditions. They were barely making ends meet at such jobs, to begin with, and returning does not seem like the right choice.
Perhaps you are like many employers right now, scratching your head and trying to solve this dilemma. Here are the top 6 solutions.
1. Create A Purpose
Having a vision is an essential part of retaining employees. Imagine you work at a coffee shop, and you believe that all you do is make coffee and scones for people. You do not feel like your job matters, and you will want to go elsewhere to find your purpose.
But, if you provide your employees with a vision for your company, you give them a sense of purpose. This could mean hosting fun games with your customers to create a community or collecting scraps for composting in local gardens.
The important thing is your employees feel they have a bigger purpose.
2. Provide Useful Employee Benefits
There was a time when people worked for the bare minimum. This paradigm has significantly shifted in the past 20 years or so. This shift is caused by the increase in the cost of living and the pandemic showing just how vital these low-wage jobs are.
The pandemic has shown employees that they matter. They will also demand more for their services. Provide some perks to keep them.
3. Create An Engaged Workforce
Workers want to feel like they belong and that they can depend on one another. Creating a work environment of respect and camaraderie is essential for your workers.
Workplaces should schedule times for their workers to address their concerns. Employees will feel more appreciated and valued if they have this safe space.
4. Paid Sick Leave And Maternity Leave
The pandemic demonstrated the dire differences between high-wage and low-wage jobs. This was especially evident in the difference between paid leave.
Low-income workers were the most likely to contract Covid-19. They were also the least likely to qualify for Paid sick leave. Low-income workers were more likely to attend work sick or miss pay due to illness.
For many employees, paid sick and maternity leave will make a huge difference in whether or not they stay. You’re more likely to keep your workers and bring fresh workers if you add this benefit.
5. Offer Educational Incentives
Many companies have already adopted new policies about helping their employees advance to the top. People don’t just want to feel passionate about their work (even though this is important). They want to feel like their job is taking them someplace.
Some companies started to offer college reimbursement programs. Some companies like Amazon and Starbucks have created special scholarships for their employees. Their employees might be able to complete their whole degree virtually for free.
This is an excellent way to motivate your workers to learn more about your company. They may wish to move up in your company and become a more valuable employee. Internal promotion is an excellent incentive.
6. Automation And MiRs Robotics To Help Fill The Gap
The above five solutions may sound very appealing to you and your workers. But, maybe you examined your resources, and you’re just not sure you have enough to give these employees what they seek.
Maybe you don’t think you have the funds or time to create such a program. In such cases, you might benefit from integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). These robots have already entered the manufacturing sector in warehouses and factory settings.
But, how can these systems be utilized in the service sector? Mobile industrial robots (MiRs) have a team of experts working to improve AMRs. Robots could enter the service sector very soon.
Robots are capable of performing many of the jobs that employers are struggling to fill today.
MiR Robotics to Help Meet Your Staffing Needs
Business owners want to make a workplace that is fulfilling and satisfactory. They want to help their employees thrive while satisfying customers.
There are ways of giving the best experience to all. And, when needed, implementing automation and robotics can help fill the void. MiR Robotics works to bring automation to more areas of the working sector.
RG Robotics has a diverse and trained group of experts ready to help you make the transition. Contact us today for a demonstration!